Selective real-time nitric oxide detection by functionalized zinc oxide

Abstract

Ferriprotoporphyrin IX chloride (haemin)-functionalized Al-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) is used for nitric oxide (NO) sensing at room temperature. The devices show high selectivity to NO against CO(2) and O(2). There is no such selectivity without haemin. Porous ZnO film made by a polystyrene sphere template is used to provide a high surface area. In comparison with non-porous ZnO film with low surface area, both the sensitivity and the response speed of the sensor made by porous ZnO are clearly improved. NO concentration down to 1 ppm can be detected. The response time is 20 s. The sensor is reversible after purging with pure nitrogen for about 100 s. Such a device is able to detect real-time variation of NO which is a vital physiological signalling molecule.